1. For me, it was the best idea to basically only bring clothing, a couple of pictures, my laptop, my skis and other things like that. I bought everything else there (desk lamp, books, printer, towels, sheets, backpack...) because moving from CA to MT was shitty. So unless you are moving pretty close to home, be prepared to just get new stuff there.
My first roommate was a really cool girl but JUST the opposite of me. Its a long story full of random vignettes so I'm not going to type it here but basically, I had to request a new roommate by the end of the first month. She was cool but I prefer people who are literate, bathe from time to time and dont watch me sleep. Weird. I moved in with a friend who moved into her sorority house at semester, so my good friend Erin moved in after Paige moved out. Thats 3 roommates. Rough.
Try not to get written up a bunch of times and dont flip off cops. That often results in MIPs. Don't be a dick if the RA comes to write you up; more often than not they'll let you off if you cooperate and are (more or less) honest. Hope you get a good RA!
Alot of people are telling you to meet as many people as you can. GOOD ADVICE. Keep your door open and don't be afraid to stop in and chat with other people. Someone mentioned randomly knocking on peoples doors, I totally did it and thats how I met my roomates for next year!
Oh. OPEN YOUR BLINDS. SO many boys keep their blinds shut the whole year and their rooms are like little smelly caves. Open the windows, do your laundry (stay with it in the laundry room, I got ALL of my clothes jacked), and keep your room clean.
2. The only job I would have gotten my first year was being an on-campus lifeguard at our pool. I didn't get a job nor did most of my friends. If you want a job, get a work-study job. If that doesnt work out, keep it close to campus.
Have a ton of fun. I partied constantly but still made dean's list. I figured out studying in the study lounge is key (studying with my 3rd roommate didn't work at all, we'd just sing and talk and stuff). REALLY try to not get an MIP. Make sure you remember who youre lending stuff to. If you fuck up (puke on a friend, eat all of their food, whatever), own up to it and don't do it again. Having to take care of your drunk friend every weekend sucks.
It's sort of a challenge not to have fun your first year. Good luck!